Either way, no matter how you slice it, the AK-47 can be found everywhere, and with such a ubiquitous rifle, one logically wants to put a sling on it. Now personally, I think rifle slings aren’t very sexy, but they are very important, and I go out of my way to put the best AK sling on my rifle whenever I get them. Some will sport correct military or military style slings, while others get something a bit more modern. Either way, there are about fifty billion different slings that go on an AK, and here are four of the best.
Cold War Classic
Let’s face it. Half the reason most of us own an AK, is to recreate that classic Cold War appeal of a brutally functional rifle from barely industrial Communist states. There is something sexy about laminate wood, brutally efficient design features, and Soviet simplicity, and for that reason alone, this is why this utterly basic sling makes the list.
Featuring a rugged military-grade web sling, with classic Eastern European and Chinese-styled tabs, if you want to close your eyes and go back in time to the 70’s, this sling will take you there. As an added bonus, it is in fact a battle and time proven design. Inexpensive, rugged, romantic—this is among the best slings for AK 47 rifles period.
Strictly Business
Put ten people in a room and ask them what the best AK sling, and you’ll get ten different answers based on how they use a carbine. Some want to go all mall ninja, others might not want a sling, and some just don’t care. The AK was designed for, and is still used with a basic double point sling. Nothing fancy, nothing to spill hundreds of words in a gun magazine about, and nothing that will get gear junkies wound up.
I’m a fan of keeping it simple, and just like the AK, this durable poly sling is simple enough to work, and to work well. Made of woven nylon, the only and best virtue this sling has is its basic simplicity. It’s an adjustable sling, nothing more, nothing less. Grab a couple, they just plain work, and no doubt some of the best AK 47 slings for the money.
Troy Industries Battle Sling
Another fantastic two-point sling, Troy Industries takes what is a simple product and makes it a bit better. Featuring a padded shoulder strap, built in bungee cord shock points, and fitted with quiet carrying polymer attachment points, this is one of the most state-of-the-art two-point slings you can get for the AK.
Rugged, built for combat, easy to use, and very comfortable, this sling (see full specs) is one of the quickest and easiest ways to bring your AK into the 21st century. If you are after a high grade sling that won’t break the bank, but is far more comfortable and adaptable than traditional AK slings, this is the one for you.
Magpul MS1 2 Point Sling
The AK series of rifles was originally designed to work with a two-point sling so mounting a two point is the simplest way to go. A good two point like the Magpul MS1 gives you a comfortable and stable platform to carry your rifle. The MS1 is an excellent sling to combine with the Magpul AK stocks, but it can also run with a standard Soviet wood furniture AK. The MS1 provides a wide degree of adjustments and allows the user to shorten and lengthen the sling on demand. You can change the attachment points at will and with ease. The MS1 is and adaptable sling that matches the AK in longevity and reliability.
The Best AK Slings
When General Kalashnikov designed his venerable rifle just after the end of WWII, it is doubtful he thought it would become the most widely used combat rifle in the world, and would be cherished by both its users and their enemies. Indeed, it is a testimony to the good general’s hard work and brilliance, that even the staunchest foes of the former USSR appreciate the genius of his design.
In the 1940’s, a rifle sling was a strap of leather or cloth designed to allow you to carry the rifle slung over your shoulder and to allow for basic support of the weapon during use. Granted there were variations on that theme, but even today, for most users, the technology remains the same. A strap with a couple of attachment points, and maybe a buckle to adjust the length to the shooter.
Fast forward to the 21st Century, and we have a few more choices, and the luxury of customizing our privately owned rifles however we might wish. The end result though, is often some variant on the classical two point sling.
There is something to be said for an adjustable strap after all. We’ve seen them in their simplest, true-to-the military original form, but I like something a bit nicer for actual use, although I must confess to favoring military style slings on my classic looking AK’s.
Regardless of the choice you make, the AK is a rugged, reliable and venerable rifle that is suitable for most any purpose you might put it to. Selecting the best AK sling is a matter of aesthetics, personal choice, and end use.
Fortunately, slings are cheap, and it’s not unusual to have several different ones. Personally I favor one military style sling, and one modern nylon sling, but when it comes to fitting your rifle to your needs, there is never a wrong answer.
